Steps to Becoming an Operational Wilderness Handler

Progression Steps

The following steps outline the general process for becoming an operational wilderness dog handler with DOGS-East Search and Rescue.

1. Submit required paperwork and fee
   Submit a release, an application, and one-time $45.00 fee no later than the 4th training session with DOGS-East.
2. Standards Committee application vote
   The Standards Committee votes on the application before the end of the next quarter.
3. Assist at base on searches
   Once approved, the applicant can be utilized to assist in base on searches.
4. Pass walker checklist
   Complete and pass the walker checklist.
5. Attend searches as a walker
   Once the walker checklist is passed, the applicant can go as a walker on searches.
6. Pass Basic Obedience Test
   Complete and pass the Basic Obedience Test.
7. Attend demonstrations with dog
   Once Basic Obedience is passed, the applicant can take their dog to demonstrations.
8. Pass 20/20
   Complete and pass the 20/20 requirement.
9. Standards Committee candidate vote
   The Standards Committee votes on raising the applicant to candidate status.
10. Candidate voting rights
    Candidates can vote at business meetings.
11. Complete operational testing and certifications
    Take the written test, survival night test, advanced obedience test, 40 acre night test, and 160 acre multiple victim test. The order these tests are taken in does not matter. CPR and First Aid certifications must also be current.
12. Standards Committee operational vote
    The Standards Committee votes on raising the candidate to operational status.
13. Operational issue items
    Once operational, you are issued a state patch, radios, pager, life vest, SAR magnet for your car, paperwork, and are reimbursed for a red jacket.
14. Operational wilderness dog handler
    You are now an operational dog handler for wilderness missions.
15. Standards meeting voting rights
    You can now vote at Standards meetings.
16. Complete MLSO or DOGS-East equivalence test
    Within 2 years of becoming operational, if not before, you must take the state MLSO class or pass the DOGS-East equivalence test.
17. Participate in missions and public relations activities
    Participate in 5 wilderness search missions and 2 public relations activities.
18. Incident Commander vote
    The Standards Committee votes on raising the operational member to Incident Commander.
19. Recertify regularly
    Recertify as an operational dog handler every year.

Timeline and Attendance Requirements